8 Gym Bags, 78 Items Fitness Pros Never Leave Home Without

By , SparkPeople Blogger
When​ ​you​ ​get​ ​ready​ ​to​ ​go​ ​to​ ​your​ ​favorite​ ​fitness​ ​class,​ ​do​ ​you​ ​have​ ​your​ ​bag​ ​packed​ ​and​ ​ready to​ ​go?​ ​Or​ ​are​ ​you​ ​the​ ​person​ ​frantically​ ​scrambling​ ​at​ ​the​ ​last​ ​minute,​ ​trying​ ​to​ ​think​ ​of​ ​what​ ​you might​ ​need​ ​on​ ​your​ ​way​ ​out​ ​the​ ​door?​ ​Sure,​ ​you​ ​should​ ​always​ ​pack​ ​a​ ​water​ ​bottle,​ ​hair​ ​ties​ ​and change​ ​of​ ​clothes,​ ​but​ ​what​ ​other​ ​items​ ​are​ ​you​ ​missing?​ ​When​ ​you​ ​get​ ​to​ ​the​ ​gym,​ ​do​ ​you​ ​try​ ​to sneak​ ​a​ ​peek​ ​into​ ​other​ ​gym​ ​bags​ ​as​ ​they​ ​sit,​ ​open​ ​on​ ​the​ ​bench​ ​in​ ​the​ ​locker​ ​room?​ ​What​ ​do other​ ​members​ ​have​ ​in​ ​there​ ​that​ ​you​ ​don't?​ ​What​ ​can't​ ​they​ ​live​ ​without?​ ​Which​ ​items​ ​might you​ ​enjoy,​ ​too?  
 
Having​ ​your​ ​bag​ ​packed​ ​and​ ​ready​ ​to​ ​go​ ​with​ ​the​ ​right​ ​items​ ​can​ ​mean​ ​the​ ​difference​ ​between dehydrating​ ​during​ ​your​ ​run,​ ​blisters​ ​from​ ​lifting​ ​weights​ ​without​ ​hand​ ​wraps​ ​and​ ​tape​ ​or​ ​having to​ ​skip​ ​brunch​ ​with​ ​your​ ​girlfriends​ ​because​ ​you​ ​forgot​ ​a​ ​change​ ​of​ ​clothes​ ​or​ ​deodorant.  
 
Rather​ ​than​ ​peeping​ ​in​ ​everyone’s​ ​bags,​ ​we​ ​reached​ ​out​ ​to​ ​​ ​a​ ​variety​ ​of​ ​fitness​ ​instructors​ ​to​ ​find out​ ​which​ ​essential​ ​items​ ​they​ ​never​ ​leave​ ​home​ ​without. 
 
Spinning:

As​ ​a​ ​spin​ ​instructor​ ​at​ ​​LA​ ​Fitness​​ ​​for​ ​nearly​ ​13​ ​years,​ ​my​ ​gym​ ​bag​ ​is​ ​carefully​ ​constructed​ ​so I’m​ ​always​ ​ready​ ​for​ ​the​ ​class​ ​ahead.​​ ​Items​ ​come​ ​and​ ​items​ ​go,​ ​but​ ​these​ ​are​ ​the​ ​ones​ ​I​ ​call​ ​on every​ ​Saturday​ ​morning.  


 
Cycling​ ​shoes:​ ​​I​ ​love​ ​my​ ​Shimano​ ​​cycling​ ​shoes​​ ​and​ ​hate​ ​to​ ​ride​ ​without​ ​them.​ ​The​ ​stiff​ ​sole helps​ ​power​ ​me​ ​through​ ​every​ ​workout,​ ​the​ ​clips​ ​keep​ ​my​ ​feet​ ​in​ ​the​ ​proper​ ​position​ ​and​ ​they​ ​are super​ ​comfortable. 
 
Water​ ​bottle​:​ ​This​ ​Polar​ ​Bottle​ ​​water​ ​bottle​​ ​is​ ​insulated,​ ​lightweight​ ​and​ ​easy​ ​to​ ​clean.  
Cotton​ ​headbands​:​ ​I​ ​have​ ​tried​ ​a​ ​bunch​ ​of​ ​headbands​ ​and​ ​found​ ​that​ ​​plain​ ​cotton​ ​ones​​ ​seem​ ​to stay​ ​on​ ​my​ ​head​ ​and​ ​absorb​ ​sweat​ ​the​ ​best.​ ​Plus,​ ​the​ ​variety​ ​of​ ​colors​ ​means​ ​I​ ​can​ ​always​ ​find one​ ​to​ ​match​ ​my​ ​workout​ ​outfit.  

Mic belt: You probably aren't in the market for a mic belt yourself, but if you're looking for a nice belt to stash your stuff in during your class (or on a run or long bike ride) I love this one.

Hair ties: If you have long hair like me, you know you can never have enough hair ties to keep strands out of your face during class. I try to keep my pack stocked with at least three to five, just to be safe.

Deodorant: I have been using Dove deodorant for years. It smells nice without being overpowering and it keeps me from sweating—too much, anyway.

Socks: I swear by Adidas ClimaCool socks, which are so comfortable, breathable, lightweight and, best of all, don't stretch out after multiple wears.

Workout towel: While I don't prescribe to any specific sweat towel (as long as it keeps me from sweating all over my music, I'm good), these cooling towels would be awesome for a hot spin class.

Padded bike seat: Over the years, I've gotten used to hard bike seats. Every once in awhile, though, and for beginners especially, a padded bike seat can make your hour way more enjoyable. 

Yoga & Pilates: 

Kristin McGee has been a yoga and Pilates instructor for more than 17 years in Manhattan and around the world. She's also a personal trainer, SparkPeople.TV trainer and has worked with some amazing people throughout the years, including celebrities such as Steve Martin and Tina Fey. Since Kristin runs around all day and has to sneak in her personal workouts in between client sessions, she needs a gym bag that’s full to the brim with essentials to carry her through the day. 

Hair tie, with a side of motivation: I always need hair ties to pull my hair back. I love these from Momentum because they don’t tear my hair and they have great little motivational quotes on them. 

Headphones:  I like the kind of headphones that can also be wrapped around my wrist as a bracelet. If I’m not doing yoga or Pilates, I often get on the equipment and do some cardio or lift weights. I love good music for this.

Health magazine: I love to read up on health and nutrition.

Bioactive greens: I’ve never been big on supplements and especially now that I’m pregnant with twins, I am more careful about what I put into my body. These greens are organic, non-GMO, 100 percent natural and they give me a little boost if I add to my water before a workout. 

Essential oils: I always have an Aura Cacia essential oil in my bag to use as a pick-me-up or to clean my hands. When I’m teaching, I often use it for final relaxation on my students. I especially love the orange and peppermint.

Lip balm: My lips often get dry and I love this Sun Salutation lip balm by gypsy soul organics. t smells amazing, is super moisturizing and 100 percent organic.

Hand towel: I like this Manduka hand towel if it’s super steamy and I need something for extra grip on my yoga mat, or as just a nice little towel to use when I’m hot.

Water: I always hydrate. I love übr water for its high PH content and smooth taste.

Sunscreen spray: What’s awesome about this sunscreen is you can spritz it on your face throughout your day. It has 50 SPF and is good way to keep applying sunscreen without messing up my makeup.

Face wipes: These Juicy Bamboo wipes are wonderful to use when I get really sweaty and need to clean my face during the day. Organic, easy to carry and they smell great.

Deodorant: This charcoal deodorant works great and is the perfect travel size.

Socks: I put these socks on when I have to walk around the room adjusting people so my feet don’t get so dirty. Also good for Barre and Pilates classes.

Snacks: Crispy Green fruit snacks are tasty, low calorie and they hold up well in my gym bag. In the past when I toss in real fruit, it sometimes gets squished. I love that these are only made of natural freeze-dried fruit. I also carry a can of Safe Catch tuna because snacks can’t always be nuts, seeds and fruit. This is the best tasting tuna and the lowest in mercury, four times lower than anything on the market, which is important to me now that I’m pregnant.  

Sports bra: Having an extra sports bra in my bag to change if I get sweaty is a must. I love Handful bras because they’re soft, supportive and super flattering! 
 
Group​ ​Fitness:

Lisa​ ​Corsello​ ​is​ ​a​ ​fitness​ ​expert​ ​and​ ​the​ ​founder​ ​of​ ​​Burn​.​ ​A​ ​certified​ ​personal​ ​trainer,​ ​nutrition consultant​ ​and​ ​certified​ ​yoga,​ ​Pilates​ ​and​ ​group​ ​fitness​ ​instructor,​ ​she​ ​has​ ​successfully adapted and applied her methods to clients with a wide range of abilities and capabilities.


 
Bag:​ I​ ​just​ ​love​ ​Marc​ ​Jacobs​ ​​bags​,​ ​and​ ​this​ ​new​ ​teal​ ​and​ ​gold​ ​carry-all​ ​is​ ​perfect​ ​for​ ​fall. 

Moisturizer:​​ ​I​ ​don't​ ​wear​ ​a​ ​lot​ ​of​ ​makeup,​ ​so​ ​I​ ​love​ ​the​ ​coverage​ ​and​ ​hint​ ​of​ ​color​ ​Laura Mercier​ ​tinted​ ​​moisturizer​​ ​gives​ ​me. 

Lip​ ​balm​:​ ​I​ ​love​ ​this​ ​​stuff​! [Labello​ ​balm​ ​is]​ ​hard​ ​to​ ​find​ ​in​ ​the​ ​United​ ​States,​ ​so​ ​I​ ​buy​ ​loads​ ​of​ ​it whenever​ ​I'm​ ​in​ ​Europe. 

Travel​ ​toothbrush​ ​kit:​ I​ ​need​ ​​this​​ ​kit​ ​because​​ ​​I​ ​brush​ ​my​ ​teeth​ ​three​ ​to​ ​four​ ​times​ ​a​ ​day.

Gum​:​ ​It​ ​doesn't​ ​matter​ ​which​ ​flavor,​ ​I​ ​like​ ​all​ ​​Orbit​ ​gum​.  

Hand​ ​and​ ​face​ ​wipes:​ ​​These​ ​Cetaphil​ ​​wipes​​ ​are​ ​gentle​ ​and​ ​don't​ ​irritate​ ​my​ ​skin. 

Sunglasses​:​ ​ I​ ​used​ ​to​ ​spend​ ​a​ ​fair​ ​amount​ ​of​ ​money​ ​on​ ​sunglasses,​ ​but​ ​I​ ​lost/scratched/crushed them​ ​regularly. These​ ​are​ ​some​ ​cheap​ ​​aviators​​ ​from​ ​H&M​ ​and​ ​I​ ​dig​ ​them. 

Sunscreen:​ The​ ​Colorescience​ ​Powder​ ​​sunscreen​​ ​comes​ ​with​ ​a​ ​cool​ ​brush​ ​so​ ​you​ ​can​ ​put​ ​on​ ​as much​ ​as​ ​you​ ​want,​ ​right​ ​where​ ​you​ ​want​ ​it.  

Eye​ ​drops​:​ ​I​ ​wear​ ​contacts​ ​and​ ​can't​ ​live​ ​without​ ​these​ ​Blink​ ​​eye​ ​drops​​ ​​during​ ​my​ ​marathon workdays. 

Snack:​ ​​These​ ​Squarebars​ ​are​ ​perfect​ ​for​ ​a​ ​quick​ ​​snack​​ ​between​ ​meetings. My​ ​favorite​ ​flavor​ ​is peanut​ ​butter​ ​chocolate. 
 
Kettlebell:  

Jen​ ​Schweitzer​ ​co-teaches​ ​kettlebell​ ​classes​ ​at​ ​​Elevated​ ​Fitness​​ ​in​ ​Strongsville,​ ​Ohio,​ ​with​ ​her husband,​ ​Brad. They teach kettlebell twice a week, and Brad is studying to become a personal trainer.


 
Gloves:​​ ​I​ ​love​ ​these​ ​Marika​ ​​gloves​​ ​because​ ​they​ ​help​ ​with​ ​grip​ ​and​ ​assist​ ​in​ ​preventing​ ​blisters. Having​ ​a better​ ​grip​ ​on​ ​the​ ​kettlebell​ ​allows​ ​for​ ​more​ ​swings.  

Stopwatch:​​ ​A​ ​​stopwatch​​ ​like​ ​the​ ​one​ ​we​ ​use​ ​from​ ​Sportline​ ​is​ ​useful​ ​for​ ​tracking​ ​time​ ​for​ ​each​ ​exercise and​ ​rest​ ​period.​ ​The​ ​stopwatch​ ​is​ ​also​ ​key​ ​during​ ​​tabatas​. 

Notebook:​​ ​I​ ​like​ ​to​ ​keep​ ​a​ ​​notebook​​ ​when​ ​I​ ​lift​ ​weights​ ​to​ ​record​ ​my​ ​reps,​ ​sets​ ​and​ ​weights.  

Chalk:​ ​​It​ ​is​ ​important​ ​to​ ​"chalk​ ​up"​ ​when​ ​your​ ​hands​ ​get​ ​sweaty.​ ​The​ ​​chalk​​ ​dries​ ​your​ ​hands​ ​and​ ​allows for​ ​a​ ​better​ ​grip​ ​on​ ​the​ ​kettlebell.  

Hydration:​ ​​My​ ​favorite​ ​thing​ ​in​ ​my​ ​gym​ ​bag​ ​is​ ​my​ ​drink! I​ ​have​ ​a​ ​shaker​ ​bottle​ ​that​ ​I​ ​fill​ ​with​ ​water​ ​and add​ ​one scoop​ ​of​ ​​BCAA​ ​AminoCore​.​ ​This supplement​ ​helps​ ​your​ ​muscles​ ​from​ ​breaking​ ​down​ ​during the​ ​workout.  

Shakes:​​ ​After​ ​the​ ​workout,​ ​you​ ​gotta​ ​have​ ​your protein!​ ​Our​ ​favorite​ ​​powdered​ ​protein​​ ​for​ ​shakes​ ​is Natural​ ​Whey​ ​by​ ​bodylogix. It​ ​is​ ​gluten-free,​ ​contains​ ​no​ ​artificial​ ​flavors​ ​or​ ​colors​ ​and​ ​is​ ​sourced​ ​from grass-fed​ ​cows.​ ​We​ ​mix​ ​one​ ​scoop​ ​with​ ​almond​ ​milk​ ​and​ ​it’s​ ​delicious!​ ​We​ ​have​ ​had​ ​vanilla​ ​bean​ ​and dark​ ​chocolate.  
 
CrossFit:  

David​ ​Pertuset​ ​is​ ​an​ ​ISSA-certified​ ​personal​ ​trainer,​ ​ACE-certified​ ​personal​ ​trainer​ ​and​ ​is​ ​the owner​ ​and​ ​operator​ ​of​ ​​Comanche​ ​CrossFit​​ ​in​ ​Cincinnati,​ ​Ohio. 



Wrist​ ​wraps:​​ ​I​ ​use​ ​these​ ​​wraps​​ ​any​ ​time​ ​I​ ​put​ ​heavy​ ​weight​ ​over​ ​my​ ​head​ ​that​ ​requires​ ​extra​ ​support. 

Gymnastics​ ​hand​ ​grips:​​ ​These​ ​​straps​​ ​protect​ ​my​ ​hands​ ​from​ ​tears​ ​during​ ​pull-ups​ ​or​ ​muscle-ups. 

Olympic​ ​weightlifting​ ​straps:​ I​ ​use​ ​these​ ​straps​ ​when​ ​doing​ ​multiple​ ​reps​ ​with​ ​heavy​ ​weight​ ​for snatching​. They​ ​are​ ​also​ ​used​ ​for​ ​one-rep​ ​max​ ​lifts. 

Water​ ​bottle:​​ ​The​ ​Rogue​ ​​water​ ​bottle​​ ​keeps​ ​water​ ​very​ ​cold. Some​ ​gyms​ ​do​ ​not​ ​have​ ​water​ ​fountains,​ ​so it​ ​is​ ​good​ ​to​ ​always​ ​bring​ ​your​ ​own​ ​water.​ ​I​ ​mix​ ​my​ ​glutamine​ ​in​ ​my​ ​water​ ​and​ ​sip​ ​on​ ​it​ ​throughout​ ​my workouts. 

Shoes:​​ ​CrossFit​ ​Nano​ ​​shoes​​ ​are​ ​multi-use​ ​shoes​ ​for​ ​various​ ​movements.​ ​You​ ​can​ ​do​ ​gymnastics​ ​and weightlifting​ ​in​ ​these​ ​shoes.​ ​I​ ​also​ ​like​ ​Nike​ ​​weightlifting​ ​shoes​--the​ ​hard,​ ​high​ ​heel​ ​helps​ ​with controlling​ ​heavy​ ​weights. 

Tape:​​ ​​Tape​​ ​is​ ​great​ ​to​ ​have​ ​on​ ​hand​ ​for​ ​skin​ ​tears​ ​and​ ​thumb​ ​protection​ ​while​ ​weightlifting. 

Socks:​ ​​I​ ​like​ ​​high​ ​socks​​ ​for​ ​movements​ ​when​ ​the​ ​bar​ ​is​ ​pulled​ ​up​ ​from​ ​the​ ​floor,​ ​so​ ​it​ ​doesn't​ ​scrape​ ​your shins. 

Sleeves:​ ​​A​ ​single,​ ​thick​ ​​leg​ ​sleeve​​ ​is​ ​great​ ​for​ ​rope​ ​climbing,​ ​and​ ​​knee​ ​sleeves​​ ​are​ ​good​ ​for​ ​knee protection​ ​and​ ​extra​ ​support​ ​when​ ​doing​ ​heavy​ ​squats​ ​or​ ​Olympic​ ​lifts,​ ​[plus]​ ​they​ ​keep​ ​the​ ​knees​ ​warm in​ ​between​ ​sets. 

Jump​ ​rope:​​ ​With​ ​a​ ​​jump​ ​rope​,​ ​you​ ​can​ ​practice​ ​double​ ​unders ​anywhere​ ​and​ ​it​ ​is​ ​always​ ​good​ ​to have​ ​your​ ​own​ ​rope​ ​when​ ​traveling​ ​to​ ​different​ ​gyms. 

Lacrosse​ ​balls:​ These​ ​​balls​​ ​are​ ​great​ ​for​ ​massaging​ ​injured​ ​or​ ​sore​ ​areas​ ​and​ ​for​ ​working​ ​on​ ​your mobility. 

Hydration:​​ ​I​ ​like​ ​to​ ​add​ ​some​ ​Glutamine​ ​Select​ ​with​ ​BCAA​ ​​supplement​​ ​to​ ​my​ ​water​ ​for​ ​faster​ ​recovery during​ ​high-intensity​ ​workouts. 

Chalk​ ​bag:​​ ​Some​ ​gyms​ ​do​ ​not​ ​have​ ​​chalk​,​ ​so it​ ​is​ ​always​ ​good​ ​to​ ​have​ ​your​ ​own. 

Journal:​​ ​ You​ ​have​ ​to​ ​record​ ​everything​ ​or​ ​you​ ​can​ ​not​ ​see​ ​results.​ ​This​ ​​book​​ ​is​ ​the​ ​most​ ​important​ ​item in​ ​my​ ​bag.​ ​Without​ ​it,​ ​my​ ​day​ ​is​ ​lost.​ ​Even​ ​though​ ​CrossFit​ ​is​ ​constantly​ ​varied,​ ​you​ ​still​ ​have​ ​to​ ​record your​ ​data​ ​to​ ​know​ ​whether​ ​or​ ​not​ ​your​ ​program​ ​is​ ​working. 
 
Running​:  

Danny​ ​Finn​ ​is​ ​an​ ​​RRCA-certified​ ​running​ ​coach​ ​and​ ​has​ ​been​ ​the​ ​head​ ​coach​ ​at​ ​​Fleet​ ​Feet​ ​Sports​,​ ​in Cincinnati,​ ​Ohio,​ ​for​ ​the​ ​past​ ​four​ ​years.​ ​He​ ​started​ ​running​ ​marathons​ ​in​ ​2004​ ​and​ ​since​ ​then​ ​has​ ​completed more​ ​than​ ​30​ ​full​ ​marathons,​ ​was​ ​a​ ​four-time​ ​Boston​ ​marathon​ ​qualifier​ ​and​ ​ran​ ​the​ ​Boston​ ​marathon​ ​for​ ​three 
consecutive​ ​years.​ ​His​ ​favorite​ ​thing​ ​about​ ​coaching​ ​runners​ ​is​ ​the​ ​look​ ​on​ ​the​ ​athletes'​ ​faces​ ​when​ ​they realized​ ​they've​ ​just​ ​run​ ​a​ ​marathon. 



Running​ ​watch:​ ​​A​ ​good​​ ​​running​ ​watch​ ​like​ ​the​ ​​Garmin​ ​Forerunner​ ​620​​ ​gets​ ​me​ ​through​ ​training​ ​runs. 

Shoes:​ ​​For​ ​workouts,​ ​I​ ​currently​ ​run​ ​in​ ​a​ ​pair​ ​of​ ​​Newton​ ​Kismet​​ ​shoes,​ ​but​ ​I’m​ ​not​ ​loyal​ ​to​ ​any​ ​specific brand. 

Fuel:​ ​​To​ ​stay​ ​fueled​ ​while​ ​training,​ ​I​ ​carry​ ​​GU​ ​energy​ ​chews​​ ​or​ ​​Clif​ ​Bloks​. 

Hydration:​ ​​I​ ​like​ ​to​ ​mix​ ​a​ ​nuun​ ​electrolyte​ ​​tablet​​ ​with​ ​water​ ​for​ ​hydration.  

Gear:​ ​​For​ ​a​ ​quick​ ​change​ ​after​ ​my​ ​workout,​ ​I​ ​like​ ​to​ ​carry​ ​a​ ​dry​ ​​shirt​,​ ​​socks​​ ​and​ ​​shorts​. 

Snacks:​ ​​Recovery​ ​food​ ​usually​ ​consists​ ​of​ ​dry​ ​fruit​ ​or​ ​nuts​ ​and​ ​a​ ​shake​ ​with​ ​some​ ​​protein​ ​powder​.​​ ​​I​ ​use whatever’s​ ​on​ ​sale,​ ​as​ ​long​ ​as​ ​it's​ ​low​ ​in​ ​sugar. 
 
 
Swimming:  

Morgan​ ​Grodesky​​ ​has​ ​has​ ​been​ ​coaching​ ​and​ ​teaching​ ​swim lessons​ ​since​ ​the​ ​age​ ​of​ ​12.​ ​She​ ​has​ ​been​ ​part​ ​of​ ​the​ ​coaching​ ​team​ ​for​ ​the​ ​​Chevington​ ​Woods​ ​Kingfish​​ ​and New​ ​Albany​ ​Aquatics​ ​Club​,​ ​and​ ​is​ ​currently​ ​involved​ ​with​ ​the​ ​​New​ ​Albany​ ​Country​ ​Club​,​ ​​Columbus​ ​School​ ​for Girls​​ ​and​ ​​Unified​ ​Aquatics​ ​Club​​ ​programs. 
 


Sports​ ​swimsuit:​ ​​You​ ​never​ ​know​ ​when​ ​you​ ​might​ ​need​ ​to​ ​get​ ​in​ ​the​ ​water​ ​and​ ​physically​ ​help a​ ​swimmer​ ​with​ ​a​ ​movement.​ ​I​ ​prefer​ ​a​ ​​Nike​ ​bathing​ ​suit​.  

Extra​ ​goggles​ ​and​ ​swim​ ​caps:​​ ​In​ ​my​ ​decade​ ​as​ ​a​ ​swim​ ​coach,​ ​I’ve​ ​seen​ ​many​ ​goggles​ ​or caps​ ​break​ ​right​ ​before​ ​a​ ​meet​ ​or​ ​during​ ​practice,​ ​so​ ​I​ ​suggest​ ​the​ ​Speedo​ ​​women’s Vanquisher​. 

Sunscreen​ ​and​ ​SPF​ ​chapstick:​ ​​When​ ​competing​ ​and​ ​training​ ​outdoors,​ ​the​ ​sun​ ​can​ ​be​ ​harsh. It’s​ ​always​ ​good​ ​to​ ​protect​ ​your​ ​​skin​​ ​and​ ​​lips​,​ ​especially​ ​on​ ​meet​ ​days​ ​when​ ​we’re​ ​working​ ​for 12-plus​ ​hours. 

Sunglasses:​ ​​Sports​ ​sunglasses​​ ​are​ ​necessary​ ​for​ ​protection​ ​and​ ​help​ ​to​ ​eliminate​ ​glare​ ​from the​ ​water. 

Writing​ ​utensils:​​ ​Pens,​ ​pencils,​ ​highlighters​ ​and​ ​​permanent​ ​markers​​ ​are​ ​crucial​ ​for​ ​meets​ ​and practices. 

Clipboard​ ​and​ ​calendars:​ ​​We​ ​use​ ​​clipboards​​ ​during​ ​meets​ ​and​ ​practices,​ ​and​ ​it’s​ ​handy​ ​to keep​ ​a​ ​printed​ ​copy​ ​of​ ​the​ ​calendar​ ​for​ ​reference.
 
A​ ​tempo​ ​trainer:​​ ​This​ ​is​ ​a​ ​great​ ​piece​ ​of​ ​equipment​ ​that​ ​goes​ ​right​ ​in​ ​your​ ​swim​ ​cap.​ ​The​ ​​Finis Tempo​ ​Trainer​​ ​beeps​ ​to​ ​let​ ​the​ ​swimmer​ ​know​ ​when​ ​his​ ​or​ ​her​ ​hand​ ​should​ ​enter​ ​the​ ​water. 

Everyday​ ​swimming​ ​equipment:​ ​​This​ ​includes​ ​fins,​ ​pull​ ​buoys,​ ​snorkels,​ ​paddles,​ ​​kick boards​--all​ ​the​ ​equipment​ ​my​ ​swimmers​ ​use​ ​to​ ​emphasize​ ​a​ ​certain​ ​focus.​ ​For​ ​example,​ ​​TYR fins​​ ​are​ ​great​ ​for​ ​practicing​ ​body​ ​position​ ​and​ ​undulation​ ​of​ ​underwater​ ​kicks,​ ​and​ ​snorkels​ ​help to​ ​eliminate​ ​side​ ​breathing​ ​while​ ​also​ ​controlling​ ​positioning,​ ​arm​ ​pulls​ ​and​ ​tempo.  

Smartphone​ ​with​ ​video​ ​capability:​​ ​This​ ​is​ ​useful​ ​for​ ​videotaping​ ​swimmers.​ ​I​ ​use​ ​the​ ​​Hudle Technique​ ​app​,​​ ​which​​ ​can​ ​pause​ ​or​ ​make​ ​a​ ​video​ ​clip​ ​into​ ​slow​ ​motion.​ ​I​ ​also​ ​use​ ​the​ ​phone​ ​to record​ ​my​ ​swimmers’​ ​times​ ​and​ ​splits​ ​to​ ​make​ ​sure​ ​they​ ​are​ ​pushing​ ​themselves.​ ​Swimming​ ​is a​ ​sport​ ​that​ ​revolves​ ​around​ ​the​ ​clock,​ ​rather​ ​than​ ​relying​ ​on​ ​judges​ ​or​ ​referees.  

Pilates:

Andrea Metcalf is an alignment and posture expert, a Pilates pro and a dynamic SparkPeople.TV instructor. Her bag is filled with essentials that help her do her job and fit in workouts throughout the day. 



Clean outfit: I always carry a clean outfit! I love fun, colored pants to change things up a bit from my black tights, so a solid top is a must and an extra pair of socks and gym shoes, too. 

Water: One thing I can't do without is my water. I get so tired when I'm dehydrated so having water is key. I've recently switched to Eternal Water, an alkaline neutral water that is one of the cleanest tasting, pure and pristine ones I've tasted. 

Snacks: I have to have food with me, as my days are so busy that I tend to miss meals. Something with protein and something sweet is key for me. I rely on bars such as Primal Kitchen Dark Chocolate Almond bars for post workout because it has 15 grams of collagen protein to help rebuild my muscles. 

Skin cream: Lumixyl skin brightening creme is what I use for my skin after showering.
 
What​ ​sports​ ​essentials​ ​can​ ​you​ ​not​ ​do​ ​without​ ​in​ ​your​ ​own​ ​gym​ ​bag?  

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